Chapter 13 Explanations
Monday, February 21st. Magnus Mansion. 10:45 a.m.
Yaakov is paralyzed in the door frame when he sees his cousin sitting near the window in Nikon's room. Both men stare at each other, and if Alexei's expression is any indication, he is not happy at all.
-Are you just going to stand there or are you gonna get the fuck in? - questions out loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.
Yaakov closes the door with a slow movement and, with hesitant steps, goes deeper into the room. He takes a seat near Alexei, although he would prefer to be in another city right now rather than having to offer the explanations that he knew well his boss was already aware of.
Adrik was still in the same position, next to Nikon and Lev standing at the other end, both in deathly silence.
-Well? - Alexei further disturbs the palpable tension in the air -. Who's going to speak first?
The other three exchanged glances, measuring each other's courage, without really being willing to throw the first stone. Alexei has a hell of a character, convincing him of something is as difficult as trying to kill the Pope with a toothpick. And they have to be quick, before he...
-Speak, damn it!explodes.
-Listen, Magnus... - Yaakov pretends to talk, but Alexei's rage is not over yet.
-Goddamn it, Yaakov! - yells, pointing at him with an accusation -. I warned you something like this might happen! - Yaakov is forced to leave one side of his neck exposed in submission, not wanting to challenge the more powerful Alpha -. I told you, but you made me sound fucking paranoid!
He ends up speaking, rising suddenly from his seat to face Yaakov, taking him by the collar of his shirt with both hands.
-I warned you, didn't I? - he roars through his teeth, pouring out unfiltered his dominant power on his cousin, which Yaakov nods slightly -. Now you're going to explain to me in explicit detail what the hell happened to make me lose twenty-eight of my men and almost have one of The Gang join them. And what you're about to tell me better be damn good so I don't have to fill your insolent, useless ass with bullets - releases him slowly, as he turns around and slumps back into the chair where he was.
Yaakov is breathing fast, trying to get the air into his lungs. He's starting to sweat, and his hands are shaking a little. He has never feared death, but there is something about Alexei that always makes him rethink his beliefs.
-Magnus, everything was going according to the plan - he speaks at last after taking a deep breath to gather his courage -. All the men were ready, the perimeter was secured and the vehicles in position - pauses for a few moments, allowing his heart to stabilize -. When Rocco arrived, everything was running smoothly, we started loading the cargo into the truck, the guards keeping watch and the cameras working.
He gets up and starts wandering around the room like a caged lion. He could feel his pulse racing with rage while remembering what had happened.
-When a few boxes were left, I received a call from Reiji saying that the spy was again violating our security. And in the blink of an eye, the cameras went off and communication was cut off. After that, Adrik informed me that several vehicles were approaching the port - he pointed out to the named one that was conveniently quiet -. So, I ordered the merchandise to be loaded quickly so we could get out of there. But as soon as we closed the truck we were surrounded.
-Magnus - Adrik interrupts, drawing the Alpha's attention -. Yaakov acted according to his instincts and if it wasn't for him, maybe Nikon wouldn't have made it - he turns his face to look at his partner, then returns to see Alexei -. No one expected the spy to screw us over again, much less during the mission. It took us all by surprise...
-They took you all off guard - the Alpha corrects him with aggression, pleased when the Omega shuts up and doesn't contradict him. Takes a break to get a cigarette out of his jacket, gives it a deep puff after lighting it to continue -. No excuses, you should all be prepared for this. What if instead of hitting Nikon in the side, he got hit in the head? - there it was, suggesting a possible turn of events that no one wanted to acknowledge -. I understand you found out that Abelard Kirchner is responsible. Didn't you, Yaakov?
-Yes, Magnus. It was his men who attacked us during the embarkation. But I still don't discard Rocco's involvement.
-Franchesco Graziani contacted me, that's why I came back today instead of tomorrow as I had stipulated - takes another hit of the cigarette -. He's not happy, but he's willing to negotiate again. After all, I was the only one who had casualties, none of his men died - ends up, snorting with irony as he watches Yaakov look down in shame.
-We managed to capture one of Kirchner's men - Yaakov reveals in a whisper -. I was able to get information out of him about the spy and thanks to that, I already have a meeting scheduled with the bastard for tomorrow - he slowly looks up to find his cousin's gaze. He couldn't read his expression, but still could smell the rage emanating from him.
-So what? - Alexei attacks, his scowl deepens -. Am I supposed to be fucking grateful? That's your fucking job, isn't it? - Yaakov nods, biting his tongue to avoid answering something he'll probably regret later -. Where?
-In the parking lot of one of the downtown transportation offices. I avoided giving him the address of one of your properties to not raise suspicions, it will be at noon - he tries to keep his voice firm while speaking, Alexei hates when people hesitate.
-Did you pass me the information? - his cousin demands, putting out the cigarette in the ashtray on the desk next to him.
-Yes, Magnus. I just did.
-Well, I'll take it from here.
-Wait, what? - Yaakov is startled, outraged against his better judgment -. Magnus, you can't do that!
-Now you're trying to tell me what I can and cannot do?! - Alexei roars, pointing a finger at him -. It will be a long time before I let you take control of a situation like this again, Yaakov! And be grateful that this is the only thing I will do to you instead of ordering one of the other members to gut you as you deserve. So don't touch my balls and do exactly as I say!
The cousins scrutinize themselves for what seems like an eternity, until Yaakov finally agrees, resigned. Alexei was their leader, after all, his orders had to be followed, even if he did not approve.
-Anyway, don't think you'll escape from your job - Alexei continues, with a mysterious smile pulling at the corners of his mouth -. Yes, I'll be in charge, I'll give the orders while you do the dirty work. You're going to get your hands full of shit again, my dear friend.
Yaakov frowns, angrily processing the exposed words with a sadistic satisfaction from his cousin, whom he has no choice but to indulge. He had not done the work of the servants for years, he felt like a fucking amateur again.
-You notify me once you have, personally, captured the spy - demands him as he heads for the exit -. I don't want to be disturbed for the rest of the day unless it's a matter of life and death, except for you, Lev - observing the Omega -. Keep me posted on Nikon's condition.
-Of course, Alex - Lev nods, offering a little smile.
-Good - it's the last thing he adds before leaving.
-Fuck, I almost shit my pants - Nikon whispers, pronouncing for the first time words since Alexei entered the room minutes ago. He laughs a little and immediately complains about the pain -. I thought he'd hang us up by our necks as soon as he got back.
-He needs to fuck - Adrik jokes -. We have to pay for his constant shitty mood.
-Yaak, are you okay? - Lev asks, reaching behind his back to place a hand on his shoulder.
Yaakov, without turning around to face him, simply nods, rushing to the exit to leave the room. He felt annoyed, degraded, and humiliated.
«Just wait until I get my hands on you, fucking King Phantom».